Finding 2023-003:
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Titles: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program
Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: 14.871
Noncompliance – N. Special Tests and Provisions – Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Enforcement
Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: No
Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance for Special Tests and Provisions
Criteria: HQS Enforcement. For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct all life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other deficiencies within 30 days or within a specified PHA-approved extension.
Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority’s files and on discussion with management, the Authority did not properly abate one (1) out of twenty-five (25) annual failed inspections selected for testing.
Context: The Authority did not properly abate one (1) out of twenty-five (25) failed inspections selected for testing. As a result, the Authority was not in compliance with the HQS as required by 24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b).
Known Questioned Costs: $1,532
Cause: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over the compliance for the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS enforcement. The Authority has not properly considered, designed, implemented, maintained and monitored a system of internal controls that assures the program is in compliance. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in non-compliance with the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS enforcement.
Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement internal control procedures that will reasonably assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement.
View of Responsible Officials and Corrective Actions: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor. The Authority will increase oversight in the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program to ensure that established internal control policies are being followed on a timely basis. Philisa Smith, HCV Director, is responsible for ensuring proper internal controls are in place to prevent significant deficiencies and material weaknesses from occurring by December 31, 2024.